Prevalence of under nutrition among under five children and correlation between anthropometry of parents and anthropometry of children

Background: There is interplay of genetic and environmental factors in determining the weight, height and body structure of children. Hence it is important to know the role of genetic factor in determining height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) of children. Aim and Objectives: To know the prevalence of malnutrition among under five children; to assess correlation between anthropometry of parents and anthropometry of under five children; and to assess the quality and quantity of diet consumed by under five children. Material and Methods: Present study was a cross sectional study, done among 270 children aged between 1-4 years registered at Anganawadi. Information on sociodemographic variables and anthropometry of under five children and their parents was collected after taking parents' consent. Percentages and correlation coefficient were used to find correlation between anthropometry of parents and children (height, weight and BMI), level of significance was taken at p < 0.05. Results: Our study showed that 22.96% of children were under nourished, 1.48% stunted and 84.7% wasted. As per the mid arm circumference, mean was 12.02 ± 1.27, 8.1% were severely malnourished and 29.3% moderately. Parents' height was positively correlated with height of children and it was statistically significant with p < 0.05. Parents' weight and fathers' BMI also showed positive correlation but it was not statistically significant. Mothers' BMI was not correlated with BMI of children. Conclusion: Our study found that about 23% of children were under nourished. Parent's height was positively correlated with children's height.